Italian Police Foil Attack on Maceratese Football Fans | Civitanova Marche

Police thwarted a potential ambush targeting supporters of Maceratese football club on Sunday afternoon, leading to seven arrests and travel restrictions for both Maceratese and Civitanovese fans.

Authorities intercepted a group of approximately 25 ultras, wearing hoods and wielding clubs, near the Civitanova Marche toll booth. The group was reportedly preparing to confront Maceratese fans traveling to an away match against Ascoli. A swift response from local police forces – including the Civitanova Marche police, the Digos unit of Macerata, a Carabinieri mobile unit, and the local police force – prevented a confrontation, according to reports.

Despite attempts to evade capture, police successfully stopped two vehicles carrying members of the group. Searches of the vehicles revealed metal rods concealed under the chassis and a baseball bat in the trunk, confirming intentions to launch an attack. Seven individuals were subsequently charged with possession of offensive weapons and violations of sports venue regulations, as outlined by the Polizia di Stato.

The incident appears to be a retaliatory act stemming from a similar attempted attack by Maceratese ultras on December 14th. In that previous incident, 14 ultras were charged, and preventative measures, including stadium bans (DASPO), were implemented. This latest escalation highlights the ongoing tensions between rival supporter groups in the region.

Following a review of the situation by the Prefect of Macerata, in consultation with the Committee for the Analysis of Security for Sports Events (CASMS), a ban has been placed on Civitanovese supporters attending the team’s next two away matches. This mirrors a previous sanction imposed on Maceratese fans after the December incident. The aim of these measures is to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of fans attending matches.

The Civitanova Marche police station, located on Via G. D’Annunzio, serves as a central point for coordinating security efforts in the area. The station can be reached at 0733825011, and official communications can be directed to dipps144.5100@pecps.poliziadistato.it. The Polizia Amministrativa e Sociale (PASI) division, responsible for passports, weapons licenses, and administrative matters, requires appointments booked through Google Calendar, with access limited to one person at a time, a protocol established in response to the ongoing pandemic as of June 1, 2020. Masks are required for all appointments.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by Italian authorities in managing football hooliganism and maintaining order during high-profile matches. The use of preventative measures, such as travel bans and stadium exclusion orders, reflects a proactive approach to addressing potential threats and ensuring the safety of supporters. The ongoing rivalry between Maceratese and Civitanovese fans continues to be a concern for law enforcement officials in the Macerata province.

The next scheduled match for Maceratese is against Ascoli, the remarkably fixture that prompted Sunday’s attempted ambush. Further security measures are expected to be in place for this match, and authorities will be closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further incidents. Civitanovese’s schedule will also be under increased scrutiny, with police prepared to enforce the travel ban imposed on their supporters.

Fans intending to attend matches in the region are advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement officials. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the authorities. The Polizia di Stato continues to prioritize the safety and security of all individuals attending sporting events.

The situation serves as a reminder of the potential for violence surrounding football matches and the importance of proactive security measures. The coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies on Sunday prevented a potentially serious incident, and the subsequent sanctions imposed on both sets of supporters demonstrate a commitment to addressing the root causes of football hooliganism.